Two Workers die in Ammonia Gas Leak at Seafood Processing Unit in Tamil Nadu; PM, Governor CM express condolences
Chennai, June 21 (TNT): Two workers were killed and several others were hospitalised following an ammonia gas leak at a private seafood processing unit in Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, police said.
According to Tiruvallur District Collector S. Kavitha, a total of 67 workers were admitted to hospitals after the incident. Of them, 46 were undergoing treatment at Vels Hospital, while 21 were admitted to Venkateswara Hospital.
Officials said the condition of several workers remained critical. Nine of the most seriously affected patients were later shifted to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital for specialised treatment.
Describing the incident as “extremely tragic”, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay expressed condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a high-level probe into the incident.
The Chief Minister announced the formation of a three-member inquiry committee comprising the Director of Industrial Safety and Health, the Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the Additional Director of Public Health.
The panel has been directed to submit an interim report within 24 hours and a final report within three days.
Vijay also announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to the families of the deceased workers and said the state government would facilitate the transportation of the mortal remains to their native places.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy.
“Deeply pained to hear about the loss of lives due to a mishap in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi also conveyed his condolences and described the incident as deeply saddening.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic ammonia gas leak incident at a shrimp processing factory near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district, which has resulted in the loss of precious lives and caused injuries to several workers,” the Governor said.
State Information Technology Minister R. Kumar and District Collector S. Kavitha visited the injured workers admitted to private hospitals near Periyapalayam and Nallur Toll Plaza and enquired about their condition.
Authorities have launched investigations into the cause of the gas leak, while efforts are underway to provide treatment to the affected workers and ensure accountability for the incident.
TNT TS
